what’s in my bag – The Beauty Swatcher

I am going on vacation, my friends!! Not only am I going to be away from work and the ~~demons~~ kids, but hubby and I are going to be cruising on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Symphony of the Seas, for their launch party.

Excited? Elated? What word am I looking for to describe how I feel?

How about…. Freaking Thrilled?

Yes, let’s go with that.

Anyways, since we are only going to be onboard for 2 days, I don’t really want to pack a whole lot of makeup, because I would rather be spending time drinking daiquiris than perfecting my wing liner, but you know that I am going to bring some of the good stuff. So my makeup bag is a nice mix of easy looks and a few nighttime goodies to spice things up for the clubs.

Eyes:

Natasha Denona Mini Star Palette – I just got this cutie during the VIB sale, so I have yet to use it, but I am banking on all the reviews and it’s friendly travel size to make this a good palette to take me from day to night.

However, if Natasha fails me, I am going to rely on my Too Faced Sugar Cookie palette to save the day. She has my back.

Butter London Double Decker Mascara– a favorite and fail proof. I always get full, fluffy lashes using it.

Face

Physician Formula Healthy Foundation – I’m still loving this foundation and how it makes my skin look like skin, so definitely taking this with me as I don’t really want anything full coverage (although it is buildable) I just want my skin to look fresh and glowy.

Tarte Shape Tape – not even going to mess with anything else because this stuff is super reliable and when you are just going to lounge by the pool, you can just dot some of the product on your trouble spots and blend. No need to do a full face.

Karity Blush Bomb in Burgandy Blast– I just bought this blush kit and I am loving it. With two blushes, one matte and the other shimmer, and a highlighter, you can’t go wrong.

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer– where I go, Ms. Mary Lou goes. That’s the rule!

Lips

Colourpop Matte Lux Lipstick in Paparazzi– a lovely coral shade that goes perfectly with a Caribbean inspired wardrobe. Vibrant and bright, you can’t go wrong.

NARS Velvet Matte pencil in Cruella – you always need to be red lip ready. It immediately takes your look up a notch just standing next to it. This is a lip liner and matte pencil in one. The perfect combo.

Real Her Matte Liquid Lip in I Decide My Destiny – the perfect moody nude. Long lasting and practically goes with everything. A nude is a must!

Too Faced Liquid Matte Mini in Sugar Cookie – another nude, but a bit more gray. Goes perfectly with a T-shirt and jeans or shorts with just a bit of mascara and a dash of blush.

Am I actually going to wear all this makeup? Probably not, but you have got to be prepared for it all!

What’s in your bag, my friends?

Till next time!

Maritza

From time to time, I am ~~forced~~ invited to attend meetings outside the comfort of my home office. I do happen to work for your typical Corporate America Conglomerate, so these business meetings actually require me to fit a certain mold.

Now all you non-comformists out there are probably saying “Screw Corporate America! You can’t tell me what to wear on my face!” And although that is true, sometimes pink and purple eyeshadow will make you stand out amongst a bunch of suits and, quite frankly, I need my job, so I’m not about to rock any boats over eyeshadow.

With that being said, business casual does not necessarily mean boring. When pressured to rock the neutral look, I always incorporate a slight pop of champagne shimmer on the eyes and cheekbones and a nude, yet fresh lipstick.

It’s not about conforming, it’s about contouring.

Damn, I crack myself up!!

Anyways, below are my tried and true business travel/meeting essentials. These are no fails and I always get compliments on my look from my clients and or colleagues.

Eyes:

Burt’s Bees Eyeshadow Trio In Shimmering Nudes. Not only is this small and lightweight, but the colors are business basics, with a touch of glam. I usually amp it up and apply a touch more shimmer from my highlighter in the center and inner corner for that BANG! effect.

Colourpop Creme Gel Eyeliner In Mr. Bing. The perfect brown. I’ve raved about this eyeliner before, so won’t go too much into it, but everyone needs a nice brown to travel and this one never leaves my side. It’s creamy and long lasting and I use it on the water line and smudge it a bit on the lower lash to create a slightly smoky effect.

Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara. Another favorite and really any mascara will do, but make sure it’s long lasting and flake free. Meetings can sometimes run for hours and the last thing you want are raccoon eyes halfway through your PowerPoint presentation.

Face

Tartiest Pro Glow Contour and Highlight Palette. This is a two-fer. You can use this palette for countouring and highlight, but in lieu of an eyeshadow, it also works as eyeshadow. Seriously! This palette is a miracle worker.

Antonym Cosmetics Blush in Peach. A perfect peach shade to give you a healthy glow after a long flight or a night spent going over your notes and presentation is all you need. I like this blush from Antonym because it has just a touch of shimmer to make your look soft and glowy.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. This is a MUST. Meetings stress me out and make me lose sleep, so a good concealer will be your best friend. Trust me!!!

Covergirl Vitalist Pressed Powder. Another must have to set the above mentioned concealer and to control the stress induced shine. Forgot to somehow include a pic of this, but don’t forget to powder, folks!

Farsali Rose Gold Elixir. I use this stuff as moisturizer (day and night) and as primer, so it’s the perfect travel companion. No need to haul your entire skincare collection when this one can pull triple duty in a pinch.

Lips

Real Her Women Rule the World Lip Liner. A cute and fun pink that takes a neutral lip up a notch. Also it’s creamy and pigmented and in a pinch can work as a lip color with a touch of gloss.

Huda Beauty Liquid Matte In Bombshell. Seriously, this color is a lifesaver and perfect for any occasion. I love that it’s a neutral, but also pinky peach and can lighten any look. I would buy the entire stock in Sephora if Huda ever announces she was discontinuing it.

What are your travel essentials? Any good recommendations? If so, drop them in the comments below.

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza